At Melbourne Orthodontics, we always strive to complete a treatment with braces in the shortest time necessary. Your orthodontist in Melbourne and Indian Harbour, FL is going to take as much time as needed to give you that perfect smile. However, the treatment time will vary from patient to patient. Here’s a look at the factors that can shorten or lengthen your time wearing braces.

More Severe Cases Take More Time

It’s pretty obvious that more severe orthodontic issues take more time to correct. Patients with a minor dental issue, like a slight spacing between teeth, will take less time to correct.

When a patient’s teeth are too crowded, treatment with braces can take a lot longer. Your orthodontist may need to create more space in the mouth and then work on shifting the teeth.

Some patients might have a malocclusion (“bite” issue), such as an underbite or overbite. For these children, we have to guide the growth of the jawbones so that the upper and lower teeth meet together properly. This is accomplished in one stage with orthodontic appliances, which guide the baby teeth and the growth of the jaw. We then move on to braces or Invisalign during the teenage years.

The Patient’s Age

Melbourne Orthodontics has patients in their 50s and 60s who wear braces. Being middle aged or slightly older is no barrier to treatment, but it does take a little bit longer to adjust and straighten your teeth.

Kids have a lot going for them when it comes to treatment with braces. They will have growth spurts which allow your friendly orthodontist in Melbourne or Indian Harbour Beach to move the teeth around more efficiently. Because they’re younger, their bones and jaw structure are more malleable and less resistant to adjustment. If any bone remodeling is needed, the high metabolism rate of kids allows this to take place more quickly.

This is not to discourage you from braces if you are an adult! Modern technology and advancements in orthodontic science, like Invisalign or even modern braces, can provide great results no matter your age. Just be aware that it might take a little longer than a child or teen with a higher metabolism.

Not Following Instructions

If you don’t follow your orthodontist’s instructions for treatment and care of your braces and teeth, there’s a good chance your treatment time will increase. Your orthodontist will attach the braces and give you instructions, but it’s up to you to follow those instructions.

Show up for all of your scheduled appointments to adjust your braces. Wear the rubber bands as directed. Avoid eating the list of foods that will be provided to you, so you don’t damage the wires or brackets. If you’re active in sports, wear your mouthguard to protect your teeth, your braces, and the insides of your mouth.

The same goes for Invisalign for patients. You have to wear the clear, plastic aligners for about 22 hours per day in order for them to effectively shift your teeth. If you don’t follow your orthodontist’s instructions, you will likely add to the necessary amount of treatment time.

Take Care of Your Teeth

Another way to reduce your treatment time with braces is by taking good care of your teeth. That means brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth, no matter how uncomfortable it seems. Want to know why?

Imagine coming in for one of your appointments and having your orthodontist discover a bad cavity that needs treatment. That could very well mean removing your braces, filling in the cavity, and then coming back for another appointment to have your braces reattached.

Taking regular care of your teeth while wearing braces may not seem like fun, but it beats the alternative! If you develop gum disease or cavities while wearing braces, it’s going to lengthen the necessary treatment time.

Ready for Braces? Call Our Office!

Braces remain one of the most effective ways of correcting orthodontic issues and giving you that perfect, beautiful smile. We’ll do our very best at Melbourne Orthodontics to ensure that your treatment goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. Contact one of our convenient locations in Melbourne or Indian Harbour Beach to schedule an appointment.